keel
Related to keel: keel over, even keel
even keel
1. adjective Calm and stable. I know this is a stressful time, but we need to try keep things as even keel as possible.
2. noun A calm and stable situation. The phrase alludes to a ship's keel, a supporting structure that helps to keep the ship stable in the water (and thus needs to be "even" or level). Whoa, let's all stop yelling and try to get back on an even keel!
See also: even, keel
keel over
To slump or fall over, typically from fainting or death. The phrase is typically used in a humorous way, especially when it refers to someone (hypothetically) dying. It was so hot that I thought I would keel over and pass out if I didn't get some air soon. Grandpa always used to tell us this silly story about the time when his friend ate a sour pickle and keeled over and died right then and there.
See also: keel, over
keep an even keel
To remain in a calm and stable condition. I don't know how you keep an even keel while trying to manage so many different things at once. My dad is unflappable. No matter what happens, he always keeps an even keel.
See also: even, keel, keep
keep on an even keel
1. To remain in a calm and stable condition. I don't know how you keep on an even keel while trying to manage so many different things at once. My dad is unflappable. No matter what happens, he always keeps on an even keel.
2. To ensure that someone or something remains in a calm and stable condition. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "keep" and "on." I have a very chaotic life, so I find that meditation really helps keep me on an even keel. I know this is a stressful time, but we need to try to keep this project on an even keel as much as possible.
See also: even, keel, keep, on
on an even keel
In a calm and stable condition. Whoa, let's all stop yelling and try to get back on an even keel! I know this is a stressful time, but we need to try keep things on an even keel as much as possible.
See also: even, keel, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
keel over
[for a person] to fall over or fall down in a faint or in death. It was so hot in the room that two people just keeled over.
See also: keel, over
keel something over
Rur. to push something over. He leaned on the flimsy wall and keeled it right over. The high wind keeled over that sorry old fence.
See also: keel, over
keep on an even keel
Fig. to remain cool and calm. (Originally nautical.) If Jane can keep on an even keel and not panic, she will be all right. Try to keep on an even keel and not get upset so easily.
See also: even, keel, keep, on
keep something on an even keel
Fig. to keep something in a steady and untroubled state. The manager cannot keep the firm on an even keel any longer. When the workers are unhappy, it is difficult to keep the factory on an even keel.
See also: even, keel, keep, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
keel over
Collapse, as if in a faint; also, faint. For example, When she heard the awful news, she keeled over. This term alludes to a vessel rolling on its keel and capsizing. [Mid-1800s]
See also: keel, over
on an even keel
Stable, balanced, as in She had the knack of keeping us on an even keel in any emergency. This term, used figuratively since the mid-1800s, alludes to keeping a vessel's keel in a level position, assuring smooth sailing.
See also: even, keel, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on an even keel
COMMON If someone or something is on an even keel, they are calm and not changing much, especially during a period of difficulties. She sees it as her role to keep the family on an even keel through its time of hardship. You may begin to wonder if having a baby was the right thing to do and whether you'll ever get back on an even keel. Note: The image here is of a ship moving along smoothly and steadily, because it is balanced and not leaning to either side.
See also: even, keel, on
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
on an even keel
1 (of a ship or aircraft) not tilting to one side. 2 (of a person or situation) functioning normally after a period of difficulty. 2 1991 Deirdre Purcell A Place of Stones Life ran on an even keel in the house as both of them came and went and became re-immersed in their own lives.
See also: even, keel, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on an even ˈkeel
living, working or happening in a calm way, with no sudden changes, especially after a difficult time: After all the troubles of the past weeks, life seems to be getting back on an even keel again.The keel is the long piece of wood or steel along the bottom of a ship, on which the frame is built, and which helps to keep it in a vertical position in the water.
See also: even, keel, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
keel over
v.
1. To fall over; capsize: The ship keeled over when it hit the iceberg.
2. To collapse or fall into or as if into a faint: I keeled over when I heard the bad news.
See also: keel, over
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
on an even keel
In a stable or unimpaired state: "There was good reason to keep relations with Washington on an even keel" (Helen Kitchen).
See also: even, keel, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
on an even keel
In stable condition, well balanced. The keel is a structure in the bottom of a vessel’s hull, extending along its full length and forming, in effect, its backbone. A boat is said to be on an even keel when it rides flat in the water, without tilting to either side. The image was extended to human affairs in the mid-nineteenth century.
See also: even, keel, on
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- even keel
- cooler heads will prevail
- calm your tits
- cool, calm, and collected
- both feet on the ground, with
- with both feet on the ground
- after the dust has settled
- after the dust settles
- have feet on the ground
- oar